Kidney (Renal) Ultrasound: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If your doctor has scheduled a kidney (renal) ultrasound, knowing what to expect can be helpful. This guide covers what kidney ultrasounds diagnose, how the scan works, how to prepare, and answers to common questions.

We’ll also explain how to access and interpret your ultrasound results. Typically, patients receive them during a follow-up call or appointment. For faster access, PocketHealth provides secure, easy online access to your report once it’s uploaded, helping you prepare questions for your doctor in advance.

 

 

What is a kidney ultrasound?

A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the kidneys and surrounding structures such as the bladder and ureters. The ultrasound technician will use a handheld wand called a transducer, which they will move over the patient’s abdomen and sides. The transducer generates sound waves that bounce off the kidneys, echoing back and converting these echoes into images that a radiologist can later study and interpret. These images help evaluate the kidneys’ shape, location, size and blood flow.

What’s the difference between a kidney and a renal ultrasound?

The terms “kidney” and “renal” are used interchangeably in the medical field. “Renal” is a term used to describe conditions related to the kidneys, including references to renal or kidney ultrasounds. Additionally, these ultrasounds can also help diagnose issues with the bladder and ureters.

Why would a doctor prescribe a renal ultrasound?

Your physician may refer you for a renal ultrasound if you’re experiencing specific symptoms or have an injury in that area of your body. Symptoms or conditions that may require a renal ultrasound include:

• Changes to urination: The inability to completely empty the bladder or disrupted urine flow can suggest a blockage at one or both kidneys or ureters or in the bladder.
• Injury: A known injury at or near the kidneys, ureters or bladder may require a closer look, or your physician may want to look for hidden signs of injury to the area.
• Infection: A urinary tract infection (UTI) or infection of nearby tissue can cause bladder injury or spread to the kidneys and become a kidney infection.
• Pain: Pain in the lower back or side, coupled with pain during urination, can indicate a UTI that has spread to the kidneys. Severe pain can also indicate a kidney abscess.
• Bloody urine: Blood in the urine does not always appear bright red but can indicate a serious kidney condition.
• Surgery: Kidney transplant surgery or bladder surgery may require follow-up ultrasounds to track healing and check for complications.
• Suspected kidney or bladder stones: If you are experiencing pain upon urination, fever and chills, blood in your urine and pain in your side, you may have a kidney or bladder stone.

 

What does a kidney ultrasound show?

Kidney ultrasounds can show a variety of possible health conditions or functions, including:

• The shape, size and location of your kidneys
• Kidney stones (including general size and location)
• Any injuries or damage to your kidneys
• The flow of blood to your kidneys
• Ureter issues, such as blockages from a kidney stone
• Bladder issues, such as urinary tract blockages
• Cysts or tumors on your kidney
• Hydronephrosis (build-up of urine within your kidney, likely from a blockage)

 

How to prepare for a kidney ultrasound

A renal ultrasound is a quick and painless procedure, but there are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment ahead of time, such as:

• Bring your requisition form: Having your referral handy when you arrive can help make the check-in process quicker.
• Bring your insurance card: Similarly, many clinics also ask you to bring a photo ID and be ready for any copays or payments. It’s a good idea to check in advance if any payment is required, as some facilities may need it before performing the scan.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing: You may be asked to change into a medical gown for the procedure.
• If needed, get someone to drive you to your appointment: For those dealing with painful kidney stones or other uncomfortable conditions, it’s a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
• Arrive with a full bladder: In most cases, you’ll need to arrive with a full bladder (at least 24 ounces of clear fluid) and drink the required amount within 30 minutes of your appointment. Note: If you are experiencing a kidney stone with severe nausea, this may affect your ability to keep down water for your appointment. If you have the opportunity in advance, you might want to see if your doctor can prescribe an anti-nausea medication or see if there are other alternatives to having a full bladder.
• Check your referral for instructions about food consumption: Typically, you do not need to fast before a renal ultrasound. However, in cases where the arteries in your kidneys will be imaged, you may be asked to avoid food and drink.

 

 

What to expect at your kidney ultrasound procedure

When your kidney ultrasound appointment begins, the attending ultrasound technician will ask you to lay face-up on an exam table and expose your abdomen area. Since a renal ultrasound is an external ultrasound, the technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin before running the transducer through it. They will then move the device over your abdomen and sides, pausing every few seconds to capture images.

The technician may ask you to reposition yourself to allow for clearer images from the side, but the entire procedure usually takes no longer than half an hour. In some cases, your doctor may request that the ultrasound explore a blockage between your kidneys and bladder. In this case, you’ll be asked to begin the ultrasound with a full bladder but to take a quick moment to visit the washroom to empty your bladder before continuing.

In summary, here’s what you can expect:

• Painless procedure: The technician will apply gel to your abdomen and gently glide a transducer over your skin.
• Movement: You may need to hold your breath briefly while the technician captures the images.
• Duration: The procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes.

Questions to ask during a renal ultrasound exam

Keep in mind that your ultrasound technician is not able to answer any questions about what they see during your ultrasound and they cannot give you medical guidance. But you may want to ask the technician other questions during your appointment, like:

• How long will the appointment last?
• How do you share my images and report with my doctor?
• How quickly will my doctor receive my results?
• Can I see my ultrasound images and report?
• How can I access my ultrasound images and report?

 

Kidney ultrasound results explained

Renal ultrasound results can be a little technical and confusing to understand. The radiologist and your referring doctor will be the ones to give you the official medical interpretation of your ultrasound. Meanwhile, here is a quick guide to understanding your results though it is not meant to replace advice from your physician.

Normal and abnormal kidney ultrasound: Learn how to tell the difference

Your results may not use the actual term “abnormal” but there are typically sections in your report that mention “impressions” and “findings.” These are the areas you are most likely to get a summary of your ultrasound results. Here are some examples of what to expect:

• Normal findings: This means your kidneys are within expected baselines for size and shape and show no signs of growths, tumors, kidney stones or other conditions. It can also indicate that the bladder and ureters are within normal parameters.
• Pathological or abnormal findings: Some examples of abnormal findings include cysts, masses or kidney stones. Obstructions, hydronephrosis, inflammation, blockages, infections and congenital irregularities can also be indicated.
• Renal calculus: If you see this term on your report, it is simply medical terminology for a kidney stone.

In addition to these types of impressions, your results should include measurements of any stones or masses. If the radiologist suspects a particular condition, you might see terms like “suspicious for,” as in “suspicious for kidney stones,” which are quite common. If there’s uncertainty about a diagnosis, additional imaging or testing may be recommended. This is also fairly common, as CT scans and other imaging techniques can offer more detailed insights when needed. Blood and urine tests can further help assess kidney function or identify potential bladder or urinary issues.

Know what kidney stones look like on an ultrasound?

Kidney stones typically appear as white (hyperechoic) spots on ultrasounds, often accompanied by shadowing, which helps distinguish them from other areas of the kidney that may also appear white. While some stones are quite small and harder to detect, others are more visible. In cases where stones are very small, additional imaging may be necessary to provide more detailed information.

How accurate is ultrasound for detecting kidney stones?

CT scans are considered the gold standard for definitively detecting kidney stones, as they provide more precise size measurements and can show even the smallest stones. However, ultrasounds are generally the first choice for initial scans because they are easier to obtain, do not use radiation and still have high accuracy in diagnosing kidney stones, especially when combined with urine and blood tests.

Understand the kidney ultrasound terminology

Medical reports aren’t light reading. You will likely encounter complex medical terminology in your report, but PocketHealth Report Reader can help. Report Reader provides definitions for the medical terms in your report, making it easier to comprehend your results, and spotlights any follow-up recommendations so you can feel informed and confident when speaking to your doctor at your next appointment.

 

 

Getting my kidney ultrasound results

Here is a quick overview of what to expect for obtaining your ultrasound results, including typical wait times and how to access them.

How long do kidney ultrasound results take?

Wait times for ultrasound results depend on the schedules of both the imaging facility and the radiologist who interprets the results. In emergency situations, like a painful kidney stone, you’re likely to receive your report quickly. However, for routine scans, results may take a few days or up to ten days.

How do I access my kidney ultrasound results?

Waiting for your follow-up appointment to discuss your kidney ultrasound results can be nerve-wracking, but you may not have to wait as long as you think. With PocketHealth you can quickly and easily access your images and results as soon as the radiologist finishes their report, often before your follow-up appointment. You can also securely store and share your results directly from your device, making it easy to get a second opinion.

Discussing the results with your doctor

It is illegal for your ultrasound technician to discuss what they see during imaging or your results. This means you’ll have to wait for your follow-up appointment with your referring physician before you can gain a medical opinion about your renal ultrasound.

During your follow-up appointment, you can ask your doctor any questions you have about your ultrasound results, including:

• Will I require further testing?
• What are my next steps, and will I need treatment?
• Will I need another ultrasound to follow up on these results?
• Can I call with any further questions?

MyCare Navigator can also help you prepare for your appointment by creating personalized questions based on your imaging report. Additionally, it will detect any follow-up recommendations indicated in your results, so you can discuss these factors with your medical provider. This helps you prepare for any next steps and keeps you involved in your health journey.

 

Take control of your kidney health

Having easy access to your medical imaging can give you better control over your health. For Ruth, studying her ultrasounds through PocketHealth during her treatment kept her informed, providing insights into her diagnosis and care plans.

Easily accessing renal ultrasounds is beneficial for anyone with a kidney condition, allowing you to monitor and compare past and present scans. It is especially helpful for patients with a history of kidney stones, who may need unexpected and immediate care if another stone forms. Secure, streamlined access to medical records can help you get the treatment you need more quickly, even if you’re abroad and away from home.